Thanks in many ways to Shakespeare, but not exclusively, Forres can claim to be a major Historical Seat in the Hall of Legend that makes up Scotland.

Centuries before Shakespeare, during the times of Pictish domination of the Land, a Roman Fleet scouting the coastline spotted a Mound of land rising up inside this secluded Bay, and making a landing, in the Roman custom set about fortifying that Mound. It was a good position to hold for water encircled three sides of the Mound leaving only one side to be guarded in strength. This place they called ' VARIS '. and to this day some locals still say ' FARRIS ' in the local dialect.

The Settlement over time thrived and expanded but the pressures on the Romans from the warlike Picts and the invading Celts and Scots, plus the ever increasing demands on the Legions elsewhere in their Empire, forced them to leave the area.

This didn't stop Forres from further enlargement for the town was eventually to become the Capital of the Domain of Moray. No other Region in Scotland could match the power or wealth of Moray with Forres as it's leading light. Some writers even allude to Forres being the Capital of what was now a Scottish Kingdom and who can prove them wrong. We do know however, that Forres had a Royal Palace and that Rulers and Ambassadors paid visits to the town in respect of the Ruler. In Macbeth's time, Forres, I believe, was his capital, although some would dispute that, but for certain in those days, Kings did move around their dominions for tax collection and homage purposes and Macbeth was no exception.
Today the Mound, which is known as Castlehill, is still there but the remains of the castle were removed to the regret of many people in the area. The waters which once lapped the base of the Mound have receded back into Findhorn Bay, with the land, having been reclaimed, now being extensively farmed. The only water there now, is the attractive Mosset Burn which runs under the west side of the Castle Mound and the River Findhorn which rolls through the town about half a mile to the west.

Many an army has passed through the area on its way to battle down through the ages, led by men like Wallace, Bruce, Cromwell among others so, if you are one for history this is the place to be.

The town itself on certain days can be a bustling hive of Industry but mostly it is very laid back and friendly

Apart from the castle site, Forres has a Museum with some Pictish Treasures to be viewed, the mysterious 'Suenos' Stone' of which there is still some considerable debate, the witches 'Rolling' marked by a stone plaque where some poor souls accused of witchcraft were hurtled downhill in barrels, and, if they survived that, then some other means of making them die was imposed just to prove that they were guilty of the charge after all, and Nelson's Tower built as a warning station during the Napoleonic Wars.

Added to all that are the wonderful gardens all around the town which in themselves have won awards and brought many a visitor to the area.

R.A.F Kinloss is but a few miles to the north of the town and on certain days can be open to the public. Needless to say these men and women bring an added prosperity and culture to the town and area and long may they remain.

For the sporty types Fishing, Golf, Swimming and Riding can be had plus the Watersports at Findhorn close by.
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There's a Distillery to visit, a Castle at nearby Brodie to browse, and, one or two Craft Centres just outside the town all worthy of enquiry.

For eats there are many good establishments with the Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes offering excellent fayre at reasonable prices.
Hotel, Guesthouse, Caravan and Camping facilities are available.

Travel is by rail, bus, coach or car.
For the tourists from abroad the nearest airports are Inverness with a connection to Forres by rail, bus or coach, Aberdeen with a connection to Forres by rail, bus or coach. Glasgow and Edinburgh both serve Inverness and Aberdeen by air, rail, bus or coach.

Comments or photos to improve this page most welcome.

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